Edinburgh Castle

Courtesy of Edinburgh Inspiring Capital
www.edinburgh-inspiringcapital.com

Edinburgh's Iconic Landmarks

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Edinburgh is a United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage Site, recognising "outstanding cultural or natural importance to the common heritage of humanity". The castle, haphazard tenement buildings, vaults and street layout of the medieval Old Town, and the more orderly buildings, gardens, and street layout of the Georgian New Town, are each fine examples of the periods when they were built. Both areas are remarkably well preserved and in continued use within the present-day city, with only a few serious blots on the landscape, notably in the Princes Street shopping area.

Buildings & Landmarks

Many iconic buildings and landmarks in Edinburgh city are open to the public. The following information is summarised from their official websites. Please click on the links for further details, including opening times and ticket prices.

Camera Obscura - Enjoy the fascinating Camera Obscura Show, fantastic views of Edinburgh beamed via a lens into the auditorium, and three galleries packed full of an amazing range of optical experiences which have been amusing visitors of all ages and nationalities since 1853! The best views are at noon on a bright day.

Craigmillar Castle - A well preserved medieval castle on the edge of the city, Craigmillar has a tower house, courtyard and gardens. The views from the tower include Holyrood Park and Edinburgh Castle.

Edinburgh Castle - Perched on an extinct volcano, this instantly recognisable fortress is a powerful national symbol and part of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site. Visit the Stone of Destiny, the Scottish Crown Jewels, the 6 ton Mons Meg cannon, and witness the One O'clock Gun being fired (every day except Sundays). Plan your visit and beat the ticket queues with the aid of the official Edinburgh Castle website.

Georgian House - The Georgian House, with its elegant furnished interior, is located at No. 7 Charlotte Square. The Square was conceived by Robert Adam as a paradigm of the Georgian ideal. The house has been magnificently restored to show a typical Edinburgh New Town House of the late 18th-early 19th century.

Gladstone's Land - Step back in time to bustling and turbulent 17th century Edinburgh. Explore Thomas Gladstone’s land to discover the lives of his tenants and experience what life was really like in Edinburgh’s old town 400 years ago.

Greyfriars Bobby - Bobby was a Skye Terrier who faithfully watched over the grave of his master John Gray for 14 years after his death in 1858. Bobby was cared for by locals, and never spent a night away from the graveside. A granite fountain with a statue of Bobby on top was erected outside the gates to Greyfriars Kirkyard in 1873, soon after Bobby's death, and a separate red granite memorial to Bobby was erected inside the Kirkyard in 1981.

John Knox's House - Dating back to 1470, and now incorporated into the Scottish Storytelling Centre, John Knox's House is one of Scotland's greatest cultural treasures and is associated with the most dramatic events in Scotland's turbulent history. Located in The Netherbow, the halfway point in The Royal Mile and the site of Edinburgh's medieval gateway, the House was the home of James Mosman, jeweller and goldsmith to Mary Queen of Scots, and became known as the final residence of John Knox, the Protestant reformer.

Nelson Monument - High on Calton Hill stands the monument to the victory and death of Admiral Lord Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar. Designed in the shape of an upturned telescope it was built between 1807 and 1815. In 1853 a time ball was introduced and it continues to be lowered each day at 1pm as the One O'clock Gun is fired from Edinburgh Castle. There are 143 steps to the top of the monument, and the panoramic view is one of the best in Edinburgh.

No 28 Charlotte Square - Robert Adam’s Georgian masterpiece has been beautifully restored and is the head office of the National Trust for Scotland. The elegant interior is rich in period detail and architectural splendour. The Gallery boasts a fine collection of Scottish paintings and regency furniture, including popular works by the Scottish Colourists.

Palace of Holyroodhouse - The official residence in Scotland of Her Majesty The Queen. Largely a 17th century building, the north-west tower was built in 1501 for James IV. The Palace stands at the end of The Royal Mile against the spectacular backdrop of Arthur's Seat, and is perhaps best known as the historic home of Mary, Queen of Scots. Today the State Apartments are used regularly by The Queen and other members of the Royal Family for official entertaining. Visits and guided tours are available in the usual way, although opening times may vary at short notice. Exclusive guided tours and special interest talks are also available occasionally, and must be pre-booked.

Real Mary King's Close - Hidden beneath The Royal Mile lies a warren of hidden ‘closes’ where real people lived, worked and died. In 1753, the Burgh Council decided to develop a new building on this site (now the City Chambers) and the remnants of Mary King's Close were left under the building. For centuries they have lain forgotten and abandoned. Don’t miss this opportunity to visit this famous Close where you will experience the sights, sounds and maybe even smells of an amazing street that time forgot. Pre-booking is strongly recommended.

Royal Observatory - The Royal Observatory is unique among UK scientific establishments in that it houses on a single site a university astronomy research group, an establishment of a UK Research Council and a Visitor Centre. The observatory has the second biggest telescope in Scotland.

Scottish Parliament - A modern icon at the foot of The Royal Mile. The public galleries are open on business days, and there is an exhibition about the parliament. Guided tours of the debating chamber and committee rooms are available on non-business days.

Scott Monument - The Scott Monument was built in 1844 to commemorate Sir Walter Scott, one of Scotland's greatest novelists. The Monument is 61.1 metres high, with 287 steps to the top. The climb through the internal stairways is in four stages, with 360 degree viewing galleries on each level.

St Giles' Cathedral - St Giles' Cathedral is the historic City Church of Edinburgh. With its famed hollow-crown spire it stands on The Royal Mile between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh, it is the Mother Church of Presbyterianism and contains the Chapel of the Order of the Thistle (Scotland's chivalric company of knights headed by the Queen).